Chile Con Carne Sauce with Rice and Refried Beans
This Chile Con Carne Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and hearty dish that pairs beautifully with rice and refried beans. It’s perfect for a family meal, a Mexican-themed dinner, or a comforting, one-pot meal. The chile con carne sauce is made with ground beef, a variety of spices, and a rich tomato base, creating a thick and savory sauce. Served over rice and with creamy refried beans, it makes for a satisfying, complete meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chile Con Carne Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (4 oz) can green chilies (or diced jalapeños for extra heat)
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels (optional, for added texture)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Salt, to taste
For the Refried Beans:
- 2 cans (15 oz) refried beans (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or lard, for a more authentic flavor)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, for flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Chile Con Carne Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and green chilies (or diced jalapeños). Stir everything together.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, uncovered, to thicken and meld the flavors. Stir occasionally, and add more broth or water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add frozen corn kernels for a bit of sweetness and texture. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the sauce is thick and flavorful, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth (or water), and butter (if using). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt to taste.
3. Make the Refried Beans:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft and golden.
- Add the refried beans to the pan and stir. If the beans are too thick, add a small amount of water or chicken broth to loosen them up to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the ground cumin (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Serve a generous portion of the rice on each plate.
- Spoon the chile con carne sauce over the rice.
- Serve with a side of refried beans.
5. Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- Lime wedges
Tips & Variations:
- Add Beans to the Chile Con Carne Sauce: For a heartier chile con carne, you can stir in canned kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans along with the tomatoes and chilies.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and jalapeños to make the dish as spicy or mild as you like.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for the ground beef for a vegetarian version.
- Toppings: Top with sliced avocado, pickled red onions, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chile Con Carne with Rice and Refried Beans is perfect for a filling, flavorful meal. Serve it alongside a simple salad, salsa, or some warm tortillas. It’s great for family dinners, parties, or even as leftovers the next day!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Chile Con Carne Sauce with Rice and Refried Beans!
